Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
mural of the crucifixion in the first-level main chamber. The spiral staircase continues
onto the roof, where the battlements, restored in 1933, lend a final touch.
To the east of the castle is a large outbuilding, now called the sugar factory, where cane
was processed into sugar.
WORTH A TRIP
LANEIA VILLAGE
Some of the prettiest Cypriot villages are located north of Lemesos in the mountainous Mandaria region. Vouni,
Silikou and Lofou are all worth visiting and within easy distance of each other, but the most photogenic village
here is arguably Laneia, signposted off the B8 road, just beyond Doros (another gem).
Popular with artists and foreign residents, the flower-filled cobbled streets and warm limestone buildings have
real picture-postcard appeal. This is just the sort of place where the real joy is simply wandering the streets with
your camera at the ready and fantasising about buying that hideaway home for regular, annual escapes.
There's a modest agricultural museum displaying olive oil and grape presses just off the main square and a
couple of good local tavernas if you fancy lunch but don't miss the other Laneia highlights on your stroll.
Church of the Virgin Mary CHURCH
(Main Square, Laneia)
This 16th-century church (restored in 1903) lies at the very heart of Laneia village. The icon panel here dates
from 1676 and displays beautiful examples of religious icon paintings and decorative wooden panels from this
period. The church is also home to the 12th-century Virgin Mary of Valana icon, to which many miracles are at-
tributed.
Michael Owen Gallery ART GALLERY
( www.michaelowengallery.com ; h 10am-5pm)
British artist Michael Owen has been living in Cyprus since 1971 and his work is alive with the spirit of the Cyp-
riot landscape. His gallery in Laneia is well signposted from the village centre.
Pleiades CRAFTS
(Laneia; h 9.30am-5pm)
Part art gallery, artists atelier, shop and cafe, Pleiades sells local pottery, jewellery and the exquisite glassware
and mosaics of the owner, Phoebe. The cafe here sells tempting homemade cheesecake so it's the perfect place to
put your feet up after your stroll around the village. Located near Laneia's main square.
 
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